Life-size sculptures in Detroit’s Mexicantown neighborhood celebrate culture through public art

DETROIT – Access to vibrant public art spaces continues to expand around the world Detroit.

A new group of life-size cultural sculptures was unveiled in the city center on Friday (November 1). Mexicantown Neighborhood.

“I love this community,” said Detroit visual artist Elton Monroy Duran.

There was a lot of buzz along Bagley Street between 24th Street and the I-75 Service Drive as community members gathered to see his new public art installation.

“We created public art on buildings,” Duran explained. “But this was an opportunity to create public art for the city.”

Five colorful sculptures, made of car parts and metal, are now on the street. These include a big cat, a wolf, a dog, a donkey and a giraffe.

Duran said he wanted to fuse two concepts, including Alebrijes, a traditional Mexican and Aztec folk art form, with contemporary materials symbolic of the Motor City.

“You know, the idea of ​​cars and how we’re actually part of the city,” Duran said. “The point is, we’re part of it. You know, we’re part of the city of Detroit, too. We’re part of the Motor City, too.”

The City of Detroit, the Knight Foundation and the Gilbert Family Foundation make this public art project along the Bagley Streetscape possible.

The sculptures are in part a nod to Hispanic Americans and their contribution to the city of Detroit and its auto industry since the early 1920s.

“This is very unique to us,” said Karina Lambaren. “Especially for our community.”

Neighbors said the sculptures are more than art. They said it’s about celebrating culture and community.

“It’s especially important for the kids in our community to see this,” said Ariana De La Luz.”

The Southwest Business Association will help maintain and care for this permanent public art installation.